Dussehra celebrations: When BJP, Congress leaders shared stage

Updated: Friday, October 23, 2015, 1:47 [IST]

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New Delhi, Oct 22: President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah witnessed the burning of the effigy of demon king Ravana on the occasion of Dussehra at the Parade Ground here on Thursday.

"Dussehra is a symbol of our ancient culture and we should forget our differences and work towards nation building. That will be our victory. I appeal to the people to maintain unity and integrity of the nation and contribute to the country's development," Mukherjee said in his brief speech.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also invited for the celebrations but he could not attend as he has travelled to Andhra Pradesh where he laid the foundation stone for its capital city Amaravati.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and union minister Harsh Vardhan were also present on the occasion along with other dignitaries.